title: The independent practice of dental hygiene.
abstract: Dental hygienists are health care professionals specially trained and licensed to provide preventive oral health care and information to patients. In 49 of the 50 states, dental hygienists practice their profession under some type of supervision by a dentist. They are prohibited by state law from practicing independently in their own dental hygiene offices. The independent practice of dental hygiene and the controversial issues concerning dentists and dental hygienists are the issues examined in this article.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rothweiler
mesh_terms: D000407:Alabama; D003120:Colorado; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007325:Institutional Practice; D008004:Licensure; D011331:Private Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States